The City of Brantford, in collaboration with the Laurier Hub for Community Solutions and the Brantford Immigration Partnership, held the fourth installment of the Pieces 4 Peace series on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus. The event, coinciding with United Nations Human Rights Day and the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, brought together community leaders and residents to reflect on critical issues of justice, equity, and inclusion.
Speakers included community advocates, academic voices, and social service leaders who addressed a range of topics, from access to justice and newcomer inclusion to the systemic roots of gender-based violence.
Carrie Sinkowski, Community Developer with the Community Legal Clinic for Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk, emphasized the intersectional challenges of accessing justice.
“Access to justice is a human rights issue, and it involves both a legal framework response and a community response,” Sinkowski said. She highlighted barriers such as housing insecurity, mental wellness, and transportation, noting that these broader social determinants often impact an individual’s ability to navigate legal systems effectively.
For the Brant region, Sinkowski identified housing and income support as critical areas of concern. “We try to support clients as much as we can around those challenges as they seek legal remedies for various issues,” she explained.
Tariq Ismati, Senior Director of Newcomer and Employment Services at Wesley, shared insights on the importance of newcomer inclusion in Brantford’s development.
“Newcomers are a significant segment of society,” Ismati said. “Brantford has been a welcoming community with opportunities for more housing and capacity to absorb newcomers. These individuals can contribute socially and economically to the region.”
Ismati also emphasized the need for collaborative partnerships to enhance the impact of newcomer programs, ensuring they support refugees and other immigrants as they integrate into the local economy and society.
Dr. Stacey Hannem, a Professor of Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University, urged attendees to think of gender-based violence as a structural issue rather than an individual problem.
“We need to address the cultural and structural roots of misogyny,” Hannem said. She stressed the importance of systemic solutions, including poverty reduction, pay equity, and empowering women through education and resources to escape abusive relationships.
Hannem also highlighted gaps in the justice system, where survivors often feel unheard or unsafe. “Gender-based violence is endemic in every society, and we need to approach it as a human rights issue, not just a criminal issue,” she said.
Taylor Berzins, Community Initiatives Coordinator for the City of Brantford, reflected on the significance of Pieces 4 Peace as part of the City’s Inclusive Community Plan.
“The event provides a space for dialogue and reflection on important themes like human rights and gender-based violence,” Berzins said. Feedback from previous sessions has shaped each iteration, ensuring the series remains responsive to community needs.
The City has also launched an Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence Community Action Plan, declaring gender-based violence an epidemic alongside more than 90 municipalities across Ontario and Quebec.
Launched in the fall of 2024, Pieces 4 Peace was inspired by Imam Abu Noman Tarek of the Muslim Association and aims to foster connection and understanding across cultural and social differences. Previous sessions have explored themes such as newcomer inclusion, the Two Row Wampum, storytelling, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
The free series aligns with the City’s Inclusive Community Plan, guided by principles of listening, standing up for one another, and celebrating diversity. Looking ahead, the City plans to continue engaging the community through initiatives like an international film series and other cultural events.
“Creating inclusive spaces and fostering dialogue are central to building a stronger, more connected community,” Berzins said.
The Pieces 4 Peace series has become a cornerstone of Brantford’s commitment to inclusion and equity, providing a platform for residents to share stories, exchange ideas, and collectively envision a more just society.
